Tag: presidential election

Is this a problem? Why or why not? Is there something to fix or should the process be left alone?

The Voting Process and Voter Fraud

Write a two-page paper on “voter fraud”. Since the topic is broad, you should focus on a few aspects of this issue, with the focus being on public policy. Consider: Voter fraud. Is it real? Is it fake news? Is it a political football? Was our last presidential election fair? Is our election/balloting procedure secure? Longer voting hours vs. shorter voting hours? Same day registration? More absentee voting vs. in person voting? Polling shows our election process is being questioned by about 35% of our voting age population. Is this a problem? Why or why not? Is there something to fix or should the process be left alone?

What authority does the president have in creating foreign policy? Has it shifted over time? How much authority is wrapped up in his or her personality and popularity? What about the authority of Congress? How have these powers shifted over two centuries of American history?

A common belief among academics is that foreign affairs and national defense issues have very little impact on presidential campaigns (Aldrich, et al 1989). One theory is that voters are more concerned about domestic issues – their own economic concerns, for example. Another theory (Aldrich, et al 1989) is that there is very little difference between the two major parties’ positions when it comes to America’s foreign policy and national defense.

However, with the presidential election already under way, there are already distinct differences being drawn by the candidates on how they view the role of the president in crafting foreign policy and how closely he or she should work with Congress. Furthermore, each candidate has their own stance on how strongly engaged America should be internationally.

What authority does the president have in creating foreign policy? Has it shifted over time? How much authority is wrapped up in his or her personality and popularity? What about the authority of Congress? How have these powers shifted over two centuries of American history?

Is there an ideal balance? Which branch should have the most power? How involved should the United States be internationally? Should we be the “world’s police”?